Roberta Liss- Leaving Cushman & Wakefield to Build the Data Center Future (#132)

Bio: Roberta Liss has launched LNSS Advisors, a commercial real estate consultancy focused on data centers and highest and best use advisory. This new firm is motivated by her vision for her professional "last chapter" and the significant economic impact of AI and technology. Liss draws on over 42 years of experience, including a decade as President of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions at Cushman & Wakefield. Her career spans key roles at Trammel Crow, CBRE, and BECO Management, executing over 30 million square feet in transactions. Crucially, she has an early technical background in data center precursors from mechanical contracting, raised floors, and network operating centers. At LNSS Advisors, her expertise covers critical data center aspects like land assemblage, zoning, securing power, and adaptive reuse. Her foundation includes a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from Penn State University (1978-1983) and data center infrastructure education from IDCA. Show Notes Strategic Transition (6:00)

• Pivoted from Cushman and Wakefield regional presidency to found LNSS Advisors focusing on data center advisory
• Positioned data centers as critical infrastructure underpinning the AI revolution and digital economy
• Launched firm immediately after C&W departure, targeting high-growth sector with specialized expertise
• Combines commercial real estate advisory with highest and best use evaluations and data center focus

Personal Foundation (9:45)

• Atlantic City upbringing provided firsthand exposure to real estate valuation principles
• Father's FAA Tech Center background fostered interest in technical systems and early computer modeling
• Mother's artistic influence balanced technical perspective with creative problem-solving
• Observed demolition of historic Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, demonstrating highest/best use concepts
• Atlantic City's casino redevelopment provided early lessons in market transformation dynamics

Technical Expertise (19:00)

• Penn State Architectural Engineering provided technical foundation for complex asset evaluation
• Initial interest in architecture evolved toward technical engineering applications